After being bitten by a genetically-modified spider, a shy teenager gains spider-like abilities that he uses to fight injustice as a masked superhero and face a vengeful enemy.
The Rink, West 40th Street, Midtown, Manhattan Community Board 5, Manhattan, New York County, City of New York, New York, 10018, United States of America
Times Square, West 44th Street, Theater District, Manhattan Community Board 5, Manhattan, New York County, City of New York, New York, 10036, United States of America
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900, Exposition Boulevard, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, 90007, United States of America
Susan Miller Dorsey Senior High School, 3537, Farmdale Avenue, Crenshaw, West Adams, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, 90016, United States of America
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 476, 5th Avenue, Midtown South, Manhattan Community Board 5, Manhattan, New York County, City of New York, New York, 10018, United States of America
Santa Clarita City Hall, 23920, Valencia Boulevard, The Bungalows, Valencia, Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County, California, 91355, United States of America
1917, Hennesy Street, Rancho las Perris, Perris, Riverside County, California, 92571, United States of America
Scene: (Spider-Man saves Mary Jane from an alley mugging)
The Rowan Building, 460, South Spring Street, Gallery Row, Historic Core, Downtown, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, 90013, United States of America
CBS Studio Center, Radford Avenue, Studio City Neighborhood Council District, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, 91604, United States of America
Sam Raimi’s genre-defining Spider-Man swings through a gleaming New York – but like many a superhero, it lived a double life, filming much of its “New York” in Los Angeles. Peter Parker’s outer-borough Queens is real, while a museum, a Beverly Hills mansion and a Downey street stood in for Manhattan.
Where was Spider-Man filmed?
Spider-Man (2002) was filmed in New York City – especially Queens – and in Los Angeles, which doubled for much of Manhattan.
Every Spider-Man location, explained
1
Queens – Peter Parker’s home
Peter’s world is the real borough of Queens in New York – Forest Hills, Queens Boulevard and the Queensboro Bridge, where the Green Goblin forces his terrible choice.
2
Los Angeles as Manhattan
Much “Manhattan” is Los Angeles: the Natural History Museum hosts the fateful spider bite, and a Beverly Hills mansion plays Norman Osborn’s home.
3
Downey as the city streets
The “42nd Street” and other city scenes used locations like Downey in the LA area.
4
New York landmarks
Real New York exteriors ground the story, from Queens Borough Hall to the city’s bridges and skyline.
Planning a visit
The Queensboro Bridge and the streets of Queens are the film’s true New York heart, while in Los Angeles the Natural History Museum – site of the famous spider bite – is open to all.
Spider-Man Fun Facts
1
Much of 'New York' is LA Like many blockbusters, the film shot large parts of Manhattan in Los Angeles.
2
Queens is genuinely Peter's home Peter Parker’s outer-borough world used the real Queens, where the character has always lived.
3
The upside-down kiss was uncomfortable The famous rain-soaked kiss reportedly left Tobey Maguire struggling to breathe with water up his nose.
4
A Twin Towers scene was pulled An early teaser featuring the World Trade Center was withdrawn after the September 11 attacks.
5
The web-swinging was groundbreaking The film’s CGI web-slinging set a new bar for superhero action in 2002.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Spider-Man (2002) filmed?
In New York City – especially Queens – and in Los Angeles, which doubled for much of Manhattan.
Where was the spider-bite scene filmed?
At the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
Where is the bridge scene?
On the Queensboro Bridge in New York, where the Green Goblin sets his trap.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Queens’ streets and bridges and LA’s Natural History Museum are all accessible.
